The Ten Commandments

No, They are NOT called the Ten Suggestions!

God loves us all so much that He knew we'd need rules to live by. These rules were set in stone, so that we'd realize that they are permanent. The first four pertain to propriety with respect to God. The rest deal with human interaction. First, let us take a look at the commands that show respect to our Lord;

"I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in Egypt. Do not worship any other gods besides Me. Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generation. But I lavish My love on those who love Me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations. Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse His Name. Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest, dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days, the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then He rested on the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath, and set it apart as holy." (Ex 20:2-11)nlt

So, I am the Lord - your God (I Am is God's name, remember)

Never worship or place a higher value on anything else!

Do not ever misuse God's name!

The Sabbath must forever be reserved for God as a sign of respect to Him!

As Christians, we are "adopted" children of Israel. We must obey God's Laws. Do we obey even these first few all the time? Something startles you, you hit your thumb hard, you fall and tear your hose... what do you say? Is respecting God more important in your house than weekend outings? Have you ever "held out" just a bit, on what you know your tithe should be so you could go to the movies?

Does making excuses make it right?

Put God first! Look at what He's done for you!

Next time - the commands that deal with human interaction...

See you soon, in Paradise!